Introduction
Investment banking is one of the most prestigious and competitive careers in the finance industry. Aspiring professionals often wonder what degree best paves the way into this high-stakes world. Reddit, known for its candid, real-world advice from professionals and students alike, offers valuable insights on the best educational paths for breaking into investment banking.
This article explores Reddit’s opinions and combines them with professional data and advice to guide you toward the best degree for investment banking.
Table of Contents
Understanding Investment Banking
What Reddit Says About Investment Banking Degrees
Top Degrees Recommended by Reddit Users
Ivy League and Target School Factor
Investment Banking vs Other Finance Careers
Alternative Paths into Investment Banking
Is an MBA Necessary?
Certifications That Help (CFA, CPA)
Skills Investment Banks Look For
Pros and Cons of Different Degrees
Final Verdict Based on Reddit & Professional Opinions
Conclusion
1. Understanding Investment Banking
Investment banking involves helping companies and governments raise capital by underwriting or acting as the client’s agent in issuing securities. The work is fast-paced, demanding, and highly rewarding. Typical roles include:
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
Initial Public Offerings (IPOs)
Corporate Restructuring
Asset and Debt Financing
2. What Reddit Says About Investment Banking Degrees
Reddit users in subreddits such as r/FinancialCareers, r/Finance, and r/WallStreetBets often share personal experiences about getting into investment banking. Common themes across threads include:
The importance of networking and school reputation
Preference for quantitative and business-focused degrees
Strong leaning towards target schools and prestigious universities
The grueling workload and need for relevant internships
3. Top Degrees Recommended by Reddit Users
Reddit threads consistently mention the following degrees as the most advantageous for entering investment banking:
a. Finance
The most direct and relevant degree
Covers essential knowledge like corporate finance, valuation, and financial modeling
b. Economics
Popular among those interested in market trends, data, and economic theory
Offers flexibility for roles outside investment banking as well
c. Accounting
Highly practical and technical
Often leads to entry via audit or Big 4 firms before transitioning to banking
d. Mathematics / Statistics
Strong quantitative background is valued for analytical roles
Helps with complex modeling, risk analysis, and trading desks
e. Business Administration (with finance specialization)
Offers a well-rounded education with leadership and management modules
Best when paired with internships
f. Engineering / STEM Degrees
Especially Computer Science or Electrical Engineering
Reddit users report many bankers coming from non-traditional, tech-heavy backgrounds
4. Ivy League and Target School Factor
According to Reddit, where you study matters almost as much as what you study.
Target Schools:
Harvard, Wharton (UPenn), Princeton, Yale, MIT, Stanford
LSE, Oxford, Cambridge (UK)
Semi-Target:
NYU Stern, Duke, Michigan Ross, Georgetown, UCLA, USC
Graduates from these schools are often heavily recruited by investment banks due to alumni networks and on-campus presence of top firms.
5. Investment Banking vs Other Finance Careers
Redditors caution students to differentiate between investment banking and:
Asset Management
Private Equity
Venture Capital
Commercial Banking
Each has different degree preferences and lifestyle implications.
6. Alternative Paths into Investment Banking
Many Reddit users describe lateral entry methods:
Start in Big 4 Accounting or Consulting
Enter through a boutique or regional investment bank
Transition from Corporate Finance or FP&A roles
Pursue internships early and often
The degree alone is not enough; experience is key.
7. Is an MBA Necessary?
Reddit is split on this issue. Here’s what the community says:
For undergrads: Go straight into investment banking via internships and analyst programs
For career switchers or non-target grads: An MBA (especially from a top-tier school) can open doors
Top MBAs: Harvard, Wharton, Booth, INSEAD, LBS, Columbia, Kellogg
8. Certifications That Help
Although not required, some Reddit users find value in:
a. CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)
Helps with valuation, ethics, investment principles
Useful for asset management, research, or if coming from non-finance background
b. CPA (Certified Public Accountant)
More useful for audit and accounting transitions
Not typically needed for pure banking roles
9. Skills Investment Banks Look For
Degrees are only one part of the equation. Reddit users repeatedly emphasize:
Excel and financial modeling
Strong communication and presentation
Ability to work long hours under pressure
Internship experience
Network-building
Soft skills are just as important as technical knowledge.
10. Pros and Cons of Different Degrees
| Degree | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Finance | Most relevant, best direct path | Common; doesn’t stand out |
| Economics | Flexible, respected | Less technical than finance |
| Accounting | Technical and practical | Often seen as entry into audit |
| Engineering/STEM | Analytical and problem-solving strength | Need to bridge finance knowledge gap |
| Business Admin | Broad scope, good soft skills | May lack depth in technical finance |
| Mathematics | Excellent for quant roles | May not cover business fundamentals |
11. Final Verdict Based on Reddit & Professional Opinions
Based on hundreds of Reddit discussions, forums, and professional data, the best degree for investment banking depends on your background, goals, and how early you start.
Most Recommended:
Finance or Economics from a target school, with relevant internships
Strong alternative: STEM degree + finance certifications/internships
What matters more than your major is:
School pedigree
Internship experience
Professional network
12. Conclusion
Reddit is a goldmine of practical advice from people who’ve been in your shoes. While Finance, Economics, and Accounting remain top picks, success in investment banking ultimately comes down to your ability to prove yourself through internships, academic performance, and your network.
Whether you’re a high school student planning ahead or a career switcher weighing your options, choosing the right degree is just one piece of the puzzle. Pair it with strategy, resilience, and relentless networking—and your path to investment banking will be much clearer.
Read More: Best Degree for Investment Banking in UK: A Complete Guide
